Arsenal ‘back in for Ollie Watkins’ as they ‘freeze’ Viktor Gyokeres transfer

ARSENAL have put their pursuit of Viktor Gyokeres on hold and reignited their interest in Ollie Watkins, it's been claimed.

The Gunners recently held talks with Sporting Lisbon hitman Gyokeres' agent over a summer move to the Emirates earlier this week.

An imminent bid for the wantaway striker was expected to be tabled in the coming days.

But according to reports, the north Londoners have temporarily shelved their interest in the super Swede to re-examine a move to Aston Villa's Watkins.

Portuguese newspaper Record claims the Gunners have put a move for Gyokeres on ice because Sporting won't reduce their asking price.

That's despite Gyokeres reportedly snubbing Manchester United in favour of a move to the Emirates.

Arsenal are said to have had an initial £55million bid for Gyokeres rejected by Sporting, who reportedly want the former Coventry City's £85m release clause to be met.

It's claimed last season's Champions League semi-finalists returned with an improved offer of £60m but also had that bid knocked back.

The Arsenal brass are said to have grown frustrated with the saga.

So much so that they're now allegedly exploring the cheaper option of signing Watkins from Villa or Benjamin Sesko from RB Leipzig.

The Gunners made a last-ditch bid to sign Watkins in January to alleviate their striker woes.

But the bid was rejected as it fell short of Villa's £80m valuation of the England international, who was the club's sole striker following Jhon Duran's move to Saudi Arabia.

Villa will likely demand a similar fee for the 29-year-old striker.

Signing prolific Leipzig hitman Sesko could end up being a cheaper option so long as they don't get into a bidding war with German giants Bayern Munich, who are also keen on signing the Slovenian.

But a bidding war could very well be on the cards as Sesko is on the radar of Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal.